A New Book by Dr. Joanne M. Swenson
Eight Trails
Ancient Maps for Life’s Wilderness
A wise and accessible guide for seekers and skeptics alike — drawing on world religions, family adventures in the Pacific Northwest, and a lifetime of scholarship to illuminate the spiritual path.
From the Author
A Word About Eight Trails
Praise for Eight Trails
What Readers Are Saying
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"Inviting us to question what we may have been told in religious traditions, Joanne Swenson encourages us to discover our own deepest questions about spiritual power and meaning. This is the liberating invitation that young minds need."
Elaine Pagels
Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion, Princeton University
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"That a Harvard-trained scholar writes so accessibly—in lessons to her adult children—is refreshing. Eight Trails is a wise, thoughtful companion for anyone seeking meaning and purpose. Even at my age of seventy-seven, reading it sparked deep introspection."
Fred Sievert
Retired President, New York Life Insurance Company
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"Joanne Swenson's Eight Trails will be a valuable tool for anyone talking to an often-skeptical younger generation about the nature of religious faith. It is an engaging and refreshing look at faith without relying on too-familiar tropes."
John W. Hawthorne
Author of The Fearless Christian University
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"Eight Trails is a wise and timely guide for anyone who feels lost on their spiritual path. With depth, humility, and grace, Rev. Joanne Swenson shows how religious faith—when approached with curiosity and courage—can still illuminate the way."
Brandan Robertson
Author of Queer and Christian
About the Author
Dr. Joanne M. Swenson
A lifelong student of how ordinary people use religious symbols to find their way through life, Joanne has been a professor, pastor, and parent. She holds the M.Div., Th.M. and Th.D. degrees, all from Harvard University.
Harvard Th.D.
Professor
Pastor
Author
Get in Touch
Questions? Comments?
Joanne would love to hear from you.